Freya Rudigier

Mondays: no current availability

There are many different ways of delivering counselling, which can pose quite a challenge for clients choosing to find their preferred approach. Generally, I believe there is no right or wrong approach but rather, that some way of working may be more or less helpful for specific needs of the individual person and within their unique circumstances. Therefore, I rely on my clients' expertise on their lives and their engagement in the process to help guide their unique approach. What might feel helpful for one client, might feel disruptive to another.

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In my training as a counselling psychologist, I have been introduced to the three schools of psychotherapy (person-centred / humanistic therapies, psychodynamic therapies, and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies). Whilst my personal approach has been influenced by all three schools, I predominantly take a relational psychodynamic approach. This means I meet my clients with congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard, as well as confidence in their capacity for growth. Equally, I recognise the impact of past experiences, particularly those in childhood, that are now influencing conscious and unconscious experiences in the here and now.

One of the main theories I work with is attachment theory. This theory considers how our relationships, and the safety and danger we experience in those relationships, shape our way of engaging in the world.

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The parents, or primary caregivers, play a crucial part in this development, as they shape the nature in which we relate to others, ourselves and the world. However, as we grow up, and our relationships become more complex, our relational templates grow more complex also. Sometimes this results in strategies that have previously been necessary and helpful, not being so helpful after all.

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At the core of my work lies the therapeutic relationship - our relationship. In our work, I hope to provide a safe space, and meet you with stability, and warmth. Grounded by my humanistic values, I am not here to judge you, or anyone in your life, but rather help you make sense of your experiences.

Starting your counselling journey can be daunting. I hope to make the start a little easier by offering clients a free taster session. Depending on your preference and our availability, this will happen either online or face-to-face. We will have 30-40 minutes to learn more about each other and what counselling may be like. With no strings attached,  you will have some time to think about whether we feel like a good fit and go through the counselling agreement. 

Once started, we will meet at the same time each week. As a counselling psychologist, I use psychometric measures (short questions about your mood and experiences) in our first session. This often helps us to focus on how your situation is currently impacting you and helps us to think about specific goals. Many clients find it helpful to establish goals at the beginning of their counselling journey, which we will then regularly review. 

In the first weeks, I will continue to "gather information" to help me step into your shoes and connect with your experience. This time can often make clients feel particularly vulnerable and we often introduce self-care and grounding techniques alongside.

Ultimately, all sessions follow your pace. Entering counselling is positive risk-taking, but I do not underestimate the courage every session takes.